Hiding Instagram Likes: Step-by-Step Guide and Benefits
Learn how to hide Instagram likes step-by-step, understand its mental health benefits, and decide if removing like counts is right for your content.
Introduction to Instagram’s Hide Likes Feature and Recent Updates
Instagram has evolved far beyond a simple photo-sharing app. With new features rolling out regularly, one of the most notable additions in recent years is the ability to hide like counts on posts. This option — often referred to as hiding Instagram likes — allows users to conceal the number of likes on both their own posts and the posts of others in their feed.
This update represents more than just a cosmetic tweak — it signals a shift toward fostering healthier, more authentic engagement on the platform. Instead of chasing numbers, Instagram's goal is to encourage genuine conversations and creativity.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to hide likes step-by-step, dive into the benefits and drawbacks, and discover tactics to decide if this feature is right for you.
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Why Instagram Introduced the Ability to Hide Likes
Instagram initially began testing the hide like count feature in select markets around 2019 and rolled it out globally in 2021. The primary motives included:
- Mental Health Concerns: Research and user input suggested that visible like counts can contribute to anxiety, self-esteem issues, and unhealthy comparison — especially among younger users.
- Encouraging Quality Content: Without the visible scoreboard, creators can focus on what resonates personally and with their audience, instead of aiming for mass appeal.
- Empowering User Control: Offering the choice to hide likes allows each individual to craft an online experience that aligns with their comfort level.
The ultimate aim was to make Instagram a space where interactions are driven by connection, not competition.
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How to Hide Likes on Your Own Posts
Instagram enables you to hide likes either post-by-post or by default for all future content. Here’s how to do it via the mobile app.
Step-by-Step on Mobile App
- Open Instagram and log into your account.
- Tap your profile icon in the bottom-right corner.
- Select the post you want to edit.
- Tap the three-dot menu (⋮ or …) at the top-right of the post.
- Choose "Hide like count".
- To reverse, tap again and select “Unhide like count.”
To hide likes before posting:
- On the final “New Post” screen prior to sharing, tap "Advanced settings" at the bottom.
- Toggle "Hide like and view counts on this post" to on.
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How to Hide Likes on Others’ Posts in Your Feed
If you don’t want to see like counts on other people’s updates, follow these steps:
- On your profile, tap the three-line menu icon in the top-right.
- Go to Settings and privacy.
- Scroll to Posts.
- Under “What you see,” toggle on "Hide like and view counts".
From then on, posts in your feed won’t show public like numbers. You can still interact, but without the distraction of the tallies.
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Differences Between Hiding Likes Before and After Posting
Understanding the timing can help you control audience perception:
| Action | Before Posting | After Posting |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Like counts never appear at all | Like counts appear initially, then disappear after hiding |
| Control | Prevents exposure from the moment it’s published | Allows decision-making based on early audience response |
| Impact on Engagement | Sets the interaction tone from the outset | May influence early engagement based on visible counts |
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Pros of Hiding Likes
Key advantages of using the hide likes tool include:
- Reduced Social Anxiety: Frees you from the pressure of public validation metrics.
- Better Content Focus: Shifts evaluation to the quality of the post itself.
- Boosted Mental Well‑Being: Minimizes comparison-based stress.
- Creative Freedom: Encourages diverse, experimental, and authentic posts.
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Cons of Hiding Likes
Potential downsides to consider:
- Loss of Social Proof: Likes often serve as visible endorsements.
- Influencer Marketing Complications: Brands may require private reporting of engagement stats.
- Harder Trend Spotting: Followers can’t instantly see what’s popular based on likes alone.
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How Hiding Likes Impacts Influencers, Brands, and Personal Accounts
The effect of removing visible like counts varies:
| Account Type | Impact |
|---|---|
| Influencer | Less visible popularity indicators; need to emphasize other metrics like comments and shares. |
| Brand | Reduces quick competitor analysis but fosters authentic connections with audience. |
| Personal | Typically positive — lowers peer pressure and increases confidence to post what feels right. |
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Expert Tips for Balancing Visibility and Privacy on Instagram
To maximize both engagement and well-being, consider these expert insights:
- Test Different Durations: Try hiding likes temporarily to assess your creative comfort and engagement trends.
- Track Privately: Use Instagram Insights to review performance without broadcasting numbers.
- Be Selective: Hide likes on personal or trial content; keep them on for promotional campaigns.
- Diversify Engagement Goals: Encourage comments, saves, and DMs, which often signal deeper interest.
- Explain Your Choice: If relevant, share with your followers or partners why you’re adopting the hide likes setting.
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Conclusion: When to Hide Likes for the Best Results
Hiding Instagram likes can be a powerful tool for creators focused on mental health, creativity, and meaningful interaction. However, if public metrics are central to your marketing strategy, weigh the trade-offs carefully.
In many cases, a blended strategy works best — hiding like counts for personal or experimental posts, while keeping them visible for projects where social proof is valuable. By understanding how and why to hide Instagram likes, you can deliberately shape your online environment and make the platform work in your favor.
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Ready to take control of your Instagram experience? Try hiding likes on your next post and monitor how it changes your engagement, creativity, and peace of mind. Start experimenting today to find the balance that lets you thrive both personally and professionally.
